While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night,

1.

While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came down,

And glory shone around.

2.

“Fear not,” said he; for mighty dread

For fear had seized their mind;

“Glad tidings of great joy I bring

To you and all mankind.

3.

“To you, in David’s town this day

Is born of David’s line

A Savior, who is Christ the Lord;

And this shall be the sign:

4.

“The heav’nly Babe you there shall find

To human view display’d,

All meanly wrapp’d in swathing bands

And in a manger laid.”

5.

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith

Appear’d a shining throng

Of angels praising God, and thus

Address’d their joyful song:

6.

“All glory be to God on high

And on the earth be peace;

Goodwill henceforth from heav’n to men

Begin and never cease.”